Most pennies are worth just one cent, but certain rare ones can fetch thousands, or even millions, of dollars.
If you’re going through your spare change, it’s useful to know how to spot a penny that might be worth much more than its face value.
Valuable pennies tend to be rare, but many factors can make them unique and worth money. Some are nearly as old as the United States itself, like the 1792 Birch Cent.
Others are in incredibly good condition, despite being minted decades or even centuries ago. And some, such as the 1958 Double Die Lincoln Cent, come from a minting error that collectors find particularly interesting.
The stories behind these coins are almost as valuable as the coins themselves.
1. 1792 Birch Cent – About $2.6 Million
Before the U.S. Mint officially began producing pennies in 1793, a few prototype pennies were made, including the 1792 Birch Cent.
This rare coin, featuring Lady Liberty’s profile, is worth the highest of all examples. Only 10 known pieces exist, and in 2015, one in pristine condition sold for an impressive $2.6 million.
The coin was a “large cent,” roughly the size of a quarter. Despite controversy surrounding Lady Liberty’s image, it remains one of the earliest pennies ever created.
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – About $1.7 Million
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel to conserve copper. However, some pennies were accidentally made with a mix of copper, making them very rare.
Only 40 are believed to exist today. One of these 1943 bronze Lincoln pennies sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
This penny is highly sought after due to its unusual copper color during a time when pennies were expected to be steel.
3. 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent – About $863,000
The 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent is another rare “large cent,” one of only four known examples in this style. Named for the faint strawberry leaves over the date, this penny sold for almost $863,000 in 2009.
This coin is not just valuable because of its age but also because of its rarity and historical significance as one of the first pennies produced by the U.S. Mint.
4. 1793 Liberty Cap Wreath Cent – About $391,000
This “large cent” features Lady Liberty with a modest cap and a wreath on the back. Only a few of these coins were made, especially after the minting operation was halted due to a yellow fever epidemic.
A pristine example of this coin sold for $391,000 in 2004. Coins with historical significance, such as those minted during crises or important events, often have added value.
5. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – About $375,000
After the 1943 penny mix-up, the U.S. Mint returned to copper in 1944.
However, some steel from the previous year’s pennies remained, resulting in about 30 rare steel pennies being produced in 1944.
These can be worth up to $375,000, especially if found in mint condition.
6. 1958 Double Die Lincoln Penny – About $336,000
Due to a double-stamping error, some 1958 Lincoln pennies have overlapping letters, especially in “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
Only three examples are known to exist in collectible condition, with one selling for $336,000 in 2018. Minting mistakes like this are rare, but they make a coin far more valuable.
7. 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny – About $269,000
The 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny is a matte proof coin not meant for circulation, with the initials of the coin designer, VDB, stamped on the back.
Only around 200 are known to exist, and they are valued for their pristine condition. One such coin sold for $269,000 in 2014.
8. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent – About $173,000
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was part of a limited edition created to transition from the old, large cent design to the smaller penny we know today.
There were only about 4,000 of these coins made, and those in near-mint condition can be worth up to $173,000, making them highly sought after by collectors.
9. 1864 Indian Head Penny With L – About $161,000
In 1864, the U.S. Mint introduced a new design for pennies during the Civil War. A small number of pennies were made with an “L” on Lady Liberty’s bonnet ribbon.
These pennies are rare, with only a few remaining in uncirculated condition. One such penny was sold for $161,000.
10. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – About $159,000
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is valuable because only about one million were minted. Most of these went into circulation, so finding one in excellent condition is very rare.
An uncirculated example of this penny fetched $159,000 at auction in 2018.
Tips for Identifying Valuable Pennies
While these ten pennies are worth thousands, many other pennies can still be worth more than their face value. Here are a few tips to help you find valuable coins:
- Look for excellent condition: Old pennies that are still in great shape are often worth more.
- Check for errors: Pennies with mistakes, like double stamps or unusual features, can be highly valuable.
- Watch for rare years: Pennies from low-mintage years, such as 1939-D or 1955-S, may be worth more.
- Look for copper pennies: Pennies made before 1982 are mostly copper, which gives them added value beyond their face value.
Knowing When to Keep Your Pennies
While most pennies are only worth one cent, some rare coins can be worth far more. Keep an eye out for old coins in good condition, those with minting errors, or those from rare years.
U.S. coin values fluctuate, so a penny that isn’t valuable today might be worth a lot in the future. Always take the time to research before deciding to part with your change.
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